Protective Leg Sleeve

ABSTRACT

A protective leg sleeve. The protective leg sleeve includes a flexible panel having a first lateral edge opposite a second lateral edge. An upper strap is disposed on an upper side of the flexible panel at the first lateral edge, such that the upper strap can removably secure the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. A lower strap is disposed on a lower side of the flexible panel at the first lateral edge, such that the lower strap can removably secure the first lateral edge to the second lateral edge. The flexible panel defines a closed configuration having an open upper end and an open lower end, wherein a channel extends therebetween. A plurality of sleeves, each having an aperture extending through a longitudinal axis thereof, are removably securable over each of the upper strap and the lower strap.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/810,647 filed on Feb. 26, 2019. The above identified patentapplication is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety toprovide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to leg sleeves. More particularly, thepresent invention pertains to leg sleeves securable about a wearer'sshin to provide protection against debris that may be projected towardsthe wearer during lawnmowing or other landscaping activities.

Many people mow their lawns and otherwise tend to their yards regularly.Often, objects may be hidden amongst the grass such as sticks and rocks,which can then be struck by a lawnmower blade or string trimmer. Whensuch objects are struck, they can be projected and become an impacthazard. Should the object be struck at a specific angle, the objectcould be launched directly towards the user mowing the lawn. Often, dueto the relative heights of the lawnmower blade and the struck objects,impact with the shin, leg, or foot of the user, causing injury or otherdamage to the user.

Additionally, when tending to a yard, certain hazardous plants may begrowing amid the grass, such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, orthe like. These plants can cause irritation, inflammation, hives, or thelike if they come into contact with a user's skin. In some cases, moresevere allergic reactions can occur, resulting in significant healthrisks to the user, rather than a mild inconvenience. Furthermore, whiledoing yardwork, it is common for contact stains to appear on clothing,such as grass stains from recently cut ends of the grass making contactwith the user's clothes. Therefore, there is a need in the art for adevice that can secure about a user's leg to provide protection againstflying debris or hazardous plants as well as protecting the user'sclothes.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted thatthe present invention substantially diverges in design elements from theknown art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the artfor an improvement to existing leg sleeves. In this regard, the instantinvention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofleg sleeves now present in the known art, the present invention providesa leg sleeve wherein the same can be utilized to protect a wearer's legagainst flying debris during landscaping activities.

The present system comprises a flexible panel having a first lateraledge opposite a second lateral edge. An upper strap is disposed on anupper side of the flexible panel at the first lateral edge, wherein theupper strap is configured to removably secure the first lateral edge tothe second lateral edge. A lower strap is disposed on a lower side ofthe flexible panel at the first lateral edge, wherein the lower strapconfigured to removably secure the first lateral edge to the secondlateral edge. The flexible panel defines a closed configuration havingan open upper end and an open lower end, wherein a channel extendstherebetween. A plurality of sleeves having an aperture extendingthrough a longitudinal axis thereof, wherein the aperture is configuredto receive each of the upper strap and the lower strap therethrough. Insome embodiments, a lower panel is pivotally affixed to the flexiblepanel along the lower side thereof.

In some embodiments, the upper and lower straps are adjustable inlength. In one embodiment, the upper and lower straps comprise anelastic material allowing each strap to be adjustable in length. Inanother embodiment, the upper and lower straps further comprise a bucklethereon, the buckle configured to allow a user to adjust and maintainthe length of each strap. In some embodiments, a fastener is disposed ona distal end of each of the upper and lower straps, wherein the fasteneris configured to removably secure to a complementary fastener disposedon an exterior surface of the flexible panel. In this way, the user cansecure the flexible panel in the closed configuration, such that theflexible panel is affixed to a user's leg.

In some embodiments, each corner of the lower side of the flexible panelis beveled. In another embodiment, the beveling extends between thelower strap and the lower side. In this way, the beveling prevents theflexible panel from extending below a user's foot, thereby minimizingtripping risks. In some embodiments having a lower panel, the corners ofthe lower panel are beveled. In some such embodiments, the bevelingextends along an entire length of the lower panel. In other embodiments,the flexible panel further comprises a padded interior layer, such thatforces of impact against the flexible panel are reduced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will beparticularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and mannerin which it may be made and used may be better understood after a reviewof the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the protective legsleeve.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of theprotective leg sleeve.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the protective legsleeve in the closed configuration.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the flexible panel of anembodiment of the protective leg sleeve.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the plurality of sleeves of anembodiment of the protective leg sleeve.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the protective legsleeve in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like referencenumerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similarelements of the protective leg sleeve. The figures are intended forrepresentative purposes only and should not be considered to be limitingin any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown perspective views ofvarious embodiments of the protective leg sleeve. The protective legsleeve 11 comprises a flexible panel 12 having a first lateral edge 13opposite a second lateral edge 14. The flexible panel 12 is configuredto encircle at least a portion of a user's leg when worn, such that theflexible panel 12 provides additional protection to the leg of the userin cases where flying debris may strike the user's leg. Additionally,the flexible panel 12 forms a barrier between the user's clothing orskin and external objects, such that damage to the clothing isminimized; for example, via transfer stains from grass or the like. Inthe shown embodiment of FIG. 1A, each corner 28 of a lower side 18 ofthe flexible panel 12 is beveled. In this way, the flexible panel 12 isprevented from restricting movement of the user's ankle about the lowerside 18. In some embodiments, the angle of the bevel for each corner 28is between 30-degrees and 45-degrees.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1B, the protective leg sleeve 11 furthercomprises a lower panel 31 pivotally affixed to a lower side 18 of theflexible panel 12 about a seam 32. In such embodiments, the beveledcorners 28 of the lower panel 31 extend along an entire length of thelower panel 31. In this way, the lower panel 31 is configured to fold inorder to mimic the contours of an upper portion of a user's foot whenthe user moves their foot while the protective leg sleeve 11 is worn. Inthis manner the seam 32 prevents the lower panel 31 from posing atripping hazard.

An upper strap 15 is affixed to the flexible panel 12 along the firstlateral edge 13 at an upper side 16 of the flexible panel 12. The upperstrap 15 is configured to removably secure to an opposing second lateralside 14 of the flexible panel 12. A lower strap 17 is affixed to theflexible panel 12 along the first lateral edge 13 at a lower side 18 ofthe flexible panel 12. Similar to the upper strap 15, the lower strap 17is configured to removably secure to an opposing second lateral side 14of the flexible panel 12. In the illustrated embodiments, each of theupper and lower straps 15, 17 further comprise a fastener 25 disposed ona distal end 33 of each strap. The fastener 25 is configured toremovably secure to a complementary fastener 26 disposed on an externalsurface 27 of the flexible panel 12. In this way, the flexible panel 12can be secured in a closed position about a user's leg. In the shownembodiments, the fastener 25 and the complementary fastener 26 comprisehook and loop fasteners, however other fasteners, including snaps,buttons, buckles, and the like, are contemplated. In the illustratedembodiments, each of the upper and lower straps 15, 17 are adjustable inlength, such that each strap can be selectively lengthened toaccommodate users of various sizes. In the shown embodiment of FIG. 1A,each of the upper and lower straps 15, 17 comprise an elastic materialallowing each strap to selectively increase in length. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, each of the upper and lower straps15, 17 further comprise a buckle 24 thereon, wherein the buckle 24 isconfigured to selectively adjust a length of each of the upper and lowerstraps 15, 17.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the protective leg sleeve in the closed configuration. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the flexible panel 12 is shown in the closedconfiguration, wherein the upper strap 15 and the lower strap 17 aresecured to the opposing second lateral edge 14 of the flexible panel 12.In the closed configuration, an open upper end 19 is defined opposite anopen lower end 20, wherein a channel is defined therebetween, thechannel configured to receive a leg of the user therethrough. In theshown embodiment, the first lateral edge 13 rests flush against thesecond lateral edge 14 when in the closed configuration, such that anentirety of the user's leg is encircled by the flexible panel 12. Inthis way, the user is protected from flying debris from all angles aboutthe leg. In alternate embodiments, however, the flexible panel 12 isconfigured to cover only a portion of the user's leg, as shown by theembodiment of FIG. 5.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a cross-sectional view of theflexible panel of an embodiment of the protective leg sleeve. In theillustrated embodiment, the flexible panel 12 comprises an outer layer30 encapsulating an inner layer 29, wherein the outer layer 30 comprisesa durable, tear resistant material, such as denim, canvas, or the like.In this way, damage to the flexible panel 12 is minimized. In someembodiments, the inner layer 29 comprises a padded material configuredto reduce impact forces against the user's leg, such that damage or painfrom debris is minimized. This padded material is contemplated toinclude a variety of impact absorbent material, such as cotton, down,gel, or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an exploded view of theplurality of sleeves of an embodiment of the protective leg sleeve. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the protective leg sleeve further comprisesa plurality of sleeves 22 having an aperture 23 extending through alongitudinal axis thereof, wherein the aperture 23 is configured toreceive each of the upper and lower straps 15, 17 therethrough. In thisway, the plurality of sleeves 22 is configured to overlap each of theupper and lower straps 15, 17, providing an added layer of protectionthereto, such that damage to the upper and lower straps 15, 17 isminimized. The plurality of sleeves 22 are dimensioned such that thedistal end of each of the upper and lower straps 15, 17 is exposed,thereby allowing the fastener to removably secure to the complementaryfastener on the exterior surface of the flexible panel 12.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of anembodiment of the protective leg sleeve in use. In one exemplary use,the user an place the flexible panel 12 about a desired leg 35 andsecure the upper and lower straps 15, 17 to the flexible panel 12 aboutthe leg 35. In the shown embodiment, the flexible panel 12 isdimensioned to extend between the knee and the ankle of the user,however, in alternate embodiments various heights of flexible panel 12are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower panel 31rests along an upper portion of the foot 34 of the user via the hingedconnection along the seam 32. As shown, the beveled corners of the lowerpanel 31 prevent the lower panel from extending below the foot 34 of theuser, thereby minimizing tripping risk.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown anddescribed in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, thatdepartures may be made within the scope of the invention and thatobvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. Withrespect to the above description then, it is to be realized that theoptimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. A protective leg sleeve, comprising: a flexible panel havinga first lateral edge opposite a second lateral edge; an upper strapdisposed on an upper side of the flexible panel at the first lateraledge, the upper strap configured to removably secure an upper portion ofthe first lateral edge to an upper portion of the second lateral edge; alower strap disposed on a lower side of the flexible panel at the firstlateral edge, the lower strap configured to removably secure a lowerportion of the first lateral edge to a lower portion of the secondlateral edge; wherein the flexible panel defines a closed configurationhaving an open upper end and an open lower end, such that a channelextends therebetween; a plurality of sleeves having an apertureextending through a longitudinal axis thereof; wherein the aperture isconfigured to receive each of the upper strap and the lower straptherethrough.
 2. The protective leg sleeve of claim 1, wherein the upperstrap and the lower strap are adjustable in length.
 3. The protectiveleg sleeve of claim 2, wherein the upper strap and the lower strapcomprise an elastic material configured to selectively extend to adesired length.
 4. The protective leg sleeve of claim 2, wherein each ofthe upper strap and the lower strap further comprises a buckle thereon,the buckle configured to selectively adjust a length of each of theupper strap and the lower strap.
 5. The protective leg sleeve of claim1, further comprising a fastener disposed on a distal end of each of theupper strap and the lower strap, wherein the fastener is configured toremovably secure to a complementary fastener disposed on an exteriorsurface of the flexible panel.
 6. The protective leg sleeve of claim 1,wherein each corner of the lower side of the flexible panel is beveled.7. The protective leg sleeve of claim 6, wherein the beveling extendsbetween the lower strap and the lower side.
 8. The protective leg sleeveof claim 1, wherein the flexible panel is dimensioned such that thefirst lateral edge is flush against the second lateral edge when theflexible panel is in the closed configuration.
 9. The protective legsleeve of claim 1, wherein the flexible panel further comprises a paddedinterior layer.
 10. A protective leg sleeve, comprising: a flexiblepanel having a first lateral edge opposite a second lateral edge; anupper strap disposed on an upper side of the flexible panel at the firstlateral edge, the upper strap configured to removably secure an upperportion of the first lateral edge to an upper portion of the secondlateral edge; a lower strap disposed on a lower side of the flexiblepanel at the first lateral edge, the lower strap configured to removablysecure a lower portion of the first lateral edge to a lower portion ofthe second lateral edge; wherein the flexible panel defines a closedconfiguration having an open upper end and an open lower end, such thata channel extends therebetween; a lower panel pivotally secured to theflexible panel along the lower side thereof; a plurality of sleeveshaving an aperture extending through a longitudinal axis thereof;wherein the aperture is configured to receive each of the upper strapand the lower strap therethrough.
 11. The protective leg sleeve ofclaim10, wherein the upper strap and the lower strap are adjustable inlength.
 12. The protective leg sleeve of claim 11, wherein the upperstrap and the lower strap comprise an elastic material configured toselectively extend to a desired length.
 13. The protective leg sleeve ofclaim 11, wherein each of the upper strap and the lower strap furthercomprises a buckle thereon, the buckle configured to selectively adjusta length of each of the upper strap and the lower strap.
 14. Theprotective leg sleeve of claim 10, further comprising a fastenerdisposed on a distal end of each of the upper strap and the lower strap,wherein the fastener is configured to removably secure to acomplementary fastener disposed on an exterior surface of the flexiblepanel.
 15. The protective leg sleeve of claim 10, wherein each corner ofthe lower panel is beveled.
 16. The protective leg sleeve of claim 15,wherein the beveling extends along an entire length of the lower panel.17. The protective leg sleeve of claim 10, wherein the flexible panel isdimensioned such that the first lateral edge is flush against the secondlateral edge when the flexible panel is in the closed configuration. 18.The protective leg sleeve of claim 10, wherein the flexible panelfurther comprises a padded interior layer.
 19. The protective leg sleeveof claim 10, wherein the lower panel is pivotally secured to theflexible panel along a seam.